CND has condemned a UK-China deal that will see nuclear power stations built at Hinkley Point in Somerset, Sizewell in Suffolk, and Bradwell in Essex. Nuclear power is a dangerous and expensive energy source, and is not a sustainable solution to our energy needs.
Today’s announcement comes after a 2014 European Commission investigation that looked into state subsidies of nuclear power. Despite state aid being illegal under EU law, the commission gave the Hinkley Point C project the go-ahead.
The Austrian government filed a legal challenge against the Commission’s decision in July 2015, which could delay progress by five years. Greenpeace, along with several utility companies selling renewable energy, have also launched legal action with the European Court of Justice.
Kate Hudson, CND general secretary, said:
“This deal with China is the wrong sort of deal for the 21st century. International agreements should promote co-operation on climate change and security – this deal does precisely the opposite.
“Nuclear power is expensive, a source of greenhouse gases, and a target for terrorism. Nuclear power also makes the proliferation of nuclear weapons far more likely. As the supply of enriched uranium increases, the possibility of using uranium to develop weapons is made easier.
“The alternative is clear. Renewable sources of energy are clean, they create more jobs, and they’re sustainable. The future for nuclear power, however, is bleak, with experts predicting that we will run out of easily accessible uranium in 50 years’ time.
“Investing in renewables now will provide us with sustainability and security long into the future.”